Balendra Shah government’s first 100 days raise press freedom concerns
Summary
Concerns rise over press freedom as Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government faces criticism for restrictive policies, online harassment, and court rulings affecting journalism during its first 100 days.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government has been criticized for mounting pressure on press freedom and freedom of expression within its first 100 days.
- Home Minister Sudan Gurung announced intentions to directly intervene in media complaints, bypassing existing legal mechanisms.
- The government's policy directing public advertising to state-owned media is seen as an economic blockade against independent press, sparking nationwide protests.
- Recent court rulings, including a prison sentence for a journalist and orders to remove published articles, have intensified concerns over self-censorship and mass silencing in Nepal's media.
